Imagining Bison

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Opening May 21, 2026 | FREE

Picturing an American Icon

Bison have long captured our imaginations. In paintings, photographs, stories, and sculpture, this powerful animal represents wildness, resilience, and the spirit of the American West. The historic books, images, and objects on view are drawn from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ rich collection. Explore how people have imagined bison over time.

From portrayals of bison by Native artists to influential publications that fueled the early conservation movement, this display invites you to explore how ideas about America’s national mammal have endured and changed over time.

Exhibit Highlights

Historical photo of a bison's head. — See a powerful bison portrait commissioned for the 1888 Centennial Exposition in Cincinnati.

Map of North America with the historical range of bison and then in 1870, 1880, 1884, 1885. Each range is dramatically smaller until there is barely any range left. — Look for a historic bison range map from the 1800s still used by scientists today.

Illustration of a bison with an odd looking face. — Find a book about North American wildlife published before the Declaration of Independence was signed.

A photograph of a $10 bill from 1901 with a bull bison depiction — Examine a rare original $10 "buffalo" bill from 1901 modeled on Smithsonian bison specimens

Online Bison Resources

Learn about the Smithsonian discovery and conservation of a famous bison artwork
Explore the history and Smithsonian connections to the famous 1901 $10 "buffalo bill"
Learn more about bison and prairie research happening at the Smithsonian's Great Plains Science Program
Follow along as the Smithsonian Movement of Life team track bison
Explore the connections between bison and American Art
Read a personal story from bison tracking Smithsonian Ecologist Claire Bresnan

Experience More

Smithsonian Bison

A herd of bison standing in grass with a stylized sun behind them.

SECOND FLOOR | EXHIBIT